It's Your Ship

Management Techniques from the Best Damn Ship in the Navy

By: D. Michael Abrashoff

Narrated by: D. Michael Abrashoff

Length: 6 hrs and 24 mins

Publisher's summary

The story of Captain D. Michael Abrashoff and his command of USS Benfold has become legendary inside and outside the Navy. Now Abrashoff offers this fascinating tale of top-down change for anyone trying to navigate today's uncertain business seas. When Captain Abrashoff took over as commander of the Benfold, a ship armed with every cutting-edge system available, it was like a business that had all the latest technology but only some of the productivity.

Knowing that responsibility for improving performance rested with him, he realized he had to improve his own leadership skills before he could improve his ship. Within months he created a crew of confident and inspired problem-solvers eager to take the initiative and take responsibility for their actions. The slogan on board became "It's your ship," and Benfold was soon recognized far and wide as a model of naval efficiency. How did Abrashoff do it?

Against the backdrop of today's United States Navy - Benfold was a key player in our Persian Gulf fleet - Abrashoff shares his secrets of successful management including:

• See the ship through the eyes of the crew: By soliciting a sailor's suggestions, Abrashoff drastically reduced tedious chores that provided little additional value.
• Communicate, communicate, communicate: The more Abrashoff communicated the plan, the better the crew's performance. His crew would eventually call him "Megaphone Mike", since they heard from him so often.
• Create discipline by focusing on purpose: Discipline skyrocketed when Abrashoff's crew believed that what they were doing was important.
• Listen aggressively: After learning that many sailors wanted to use the GI Bill, Abrashoff brought a test official aboard the ship-and held the SATs forty miles off the Iraqi coast.

From achieving amazing cost savings to winning the highest gunnery score in the Pacific Fleet, Captain Abrashoff's extraordinary campaign sent shock waves through the U.S. Navy. It can help you change the course of your ship, no matter where your business battles are fought.

©2006 D. Michael Abrashoff; 2012 Hachette Audio

Not typical military story, applicable anywhere

Worth the read and really resonates what positive influences leadership can have in changing an organization's culture.

read by Navy Sailor

a great read! I came in the Navy in 2008, and a lot of what the author has initiated has leaked Navy-wide. the author was humble, but did his share of boasting as well. it got old in parts, but the story was driven. I would recommend. to any Sailor, but I see how it has its. merits to a civilian.

Six Words

I can sum this up in just 6 words. This Is The Best It Gets

Useful Book

Great book and good useful tools in business as in the Navy! I got so much out of this book that I can use in the business I’m in.

Great book

Changed my work life. Highly recommend reading this book if you’re a manager or employee

Great advice and teachings for everyone!

Really enjoyed the material! Great advice and easy enough to put into action! Can't wait to see where this takes me.

Great read!

Great info for leaders! I like that the author narrated this book. Definitely recommend.

Great book!

This book was insightful and taught me so much. When you go against the grain and be different, much can be accomplished!

Great book

One of the best books that I’ve ever ever listen to highly recommend it. Fantastic

Great leadership lessons along with fun stories

I learned a lot listening to this audiobook, and I enjoyed it thoroughly. It’s presented in a format that I could listen to over and over and continue to take lessons from without getting bored of it.